The Bard Profession (Hear me out.)

Post by Amundeus

Before switching to WoW, I played a certain MMORPG by the name of Star Wars Galaxies. Out of nine classes, two were very trade-based. One of which was the Entertainer.

The Entertainer class only gained EXP by performing. As they progressed with leveling, they could give long-lasting custom (increased stats, exp gain, etc.) buffs to viewers either by dancing or playing instruments.

My idea? Try to emulate that in WoW as a primary class-neutral profession called the Bard. This could expand in many ways, giving Inns some more mirth and giving an easy way of getting useful buffs over a long period of time. As you progress, you can unlock more dances/songs (possibly even different dances for each race). Songs and dances could change by use of different flourishes. Other professions like Leatherworking and Blacksmithing can create instruments like a drum or bell for the Bard. At first, the class could do basic dances or play simple songs. As the Bard progresses, he can play more complicated songs for better stat boosts and longer buff times.

As a viewer watches or listens (this could be done ambiently or a player would have to do a command to listen i.e. right-click the Bard's unit frame). The length of time a player watches or listens could determine the length of the actual buff, like five minutes per one minute the Bard is watched or listened to.

The dances and some songs can be culture-based. For example, a troll or tauren song and dance would be tribal based while a Gilnean song could have classical English elements. If possible, a group of five players with high enough professions could form a group to create a band of sorts to play different parts of songs with different instruments or correlated dances (an all-gnome dance troupe comes to mind) to shorten the length of time it takes to give long-lasting buffs

Post by grothmaul

It seems like an idea like this could be a fun idea. Just imagine a group of 5 orcs all going pantera in the middle of the valley of honor.lol

Post by avaloness

I really like this idea. It would add immensely to the value of inns, like you said.

Post by Swankyy

Really great idea that I would love to see implemented into the game. I played a Bard in FFXI and had tons of fun playing it as a support in groups. This would be great for WoW if they could implement it as a useful tradeskill.

Post by legolene

Gosh, I *love* this idea! It would give people something to do, instead of doing silly things like dancing in the fountain, and would provide player benefits too. Thumbs up to this suggestion!

Post by tofujr

It would be tedious. As cool as the RP value would be, people simply want to play the game. It would be annoying to have to stand at an inn doing nothing; similarly, no one would want to go to an inn to click someone in order to get buffs.

Post by Nyin

That seems like a horrible idea. What is the point of a profession like that? Just to get buffs? You cant make anything with it. Cant use it to make money. I could see it making sense as like some kind of class or racial ability, but as a profession, no.

Post by Gwyntee

Before switching to WoW, I played a certain MMORPG by the name of Star Wars Galaxies. Out of nine classes, two were very trade-based. One of which was the Entertainer.

The Entertainer class only gained EXP by performing. As they progressed with leveling, they could give long-lasting custom (increased stats, exp gain, etc.) buffs to viewers either by dancing or playing instruments.

My idea? Try to emulate that in WoW as a primary class-neutral profession called the Bard. This could expand in many ways, giving Inns some more mirth and giving an easy way of getting useful buffs over a long period of time. As you progress, you can unlock more dances/songs (possibly even different dances for each race). Songs and dances could change by use of different flourishes. Other professions like Leatherworking and Blacksmithing can create instruments like a drum or bell for the Bard. At first, the class could do basic dances or play simple songs. As the Bard progresses, he can play more complicated songs for better stat boosts and longer buff times.

As a viewer watches or listens (this could be done ambiently or a player would have to do a command to listen i.e. right-click the Bard's unit frame). The length of time a player watches or listens could determine the length of the actual buff, like five minutes per one minute the Bard is watched or listened to.

The dances and some songs can be culture-based. For example, a troll or tauren song and dance would be tribal based while a Gilnean song could have classical English elements. If possible, a group of five players with high enough professions could form a group to create a band of sorts to play different parts of songs with different instruments or correlated dances (an all-gnome dance troupe comes to mind) to shorten the length of time it takes to give long-lasting buffs

I REALLY like the idea of a bard as a CLASS. A Bard should be able to wear leather armor, use one-handed agility weapons and cast some sort of spells as well as the above ideas. Mail seems to heavy for a bard. Shields might not work either though an off-hand of some sort should be allowed.

Post by RihaKitty

Well, for those who say this would be a terrible idea, I would like to point you to Lord of the Rings Online. It has a bard class, but more than that, people can compose and play their own music in the game for others to hear, and there are a variety of instruments that anyone can become proficient in. Some have to be trained by a bard, but others you can simply equip and play with. The bards do give buffs, but TONS of people stand around the inns listening to people play their compositions. It's actually pretty awesome. I could see lots of players in WoW taking advantage of that. Just think how great it would be while waiting for a queue.

As a bonus, you can turn off other people's music, so you don't have to listen to bad compositions. But it would be better for immersion than Pokewow, and a lot more lore-friendly.

Post by vazzy

i think its a interesting idea agreeing with someone above that turning it into a actual playing class as well something more along the lines of say a Skald from DAOC http://camelotherald.wikia.com/wiki/Skald it was a completely playable class that as you leveled gained group buffs ( slowly more as you level that could be stacked together) that were highly beneficial in many ways. main reason i like the idea is the fact i used to play way a long time ago in DAoC so id love to see something similar to it ressurected.

Post by tarthur1

I like this idea. I'm thinking that maybe the profession lets you dance and sing like you explain, but as far as the buffs go, maybe they would act as short music-esc skills. *plays cowbell at soandso* *soandso gained the agile buff, granting x agility* They could be self castable, short cast time, set duration, and as grindable as enchanting is. It would maybe be better as a secondary profession though and in order to progress, certain things would need to be found (like a certain drum or trumpet). Maybe instead of training, you have to farm for compositions? Regardless, I like this idea a lot!

Post by xavierpjg

Sounds interesting, I'm thinking the most optimal use of this profession would be a mixture of enchating/ alchemy. The bard songs could do things from enhancing jewels further with different enchants to like someone stated earlier, giving long lasting buffs and what not. The bards could sell songs on vellums or have some type of crystal to capture sound or something like that. I cannot say how viable it would be but i can think of alot of things a profession like this could do. The hard part would just be trying to fiqure out what to use as reagents and things.

Post by TatsukageX

didnt think I would, but I do like this.

awesome idea.!

Post by Pink

LIKE!

Post by chesucat

Wild, Wild, Wildhammer Wedding quest had a bard class you stood next to. I am in favour of a bard class to play for the group, gives them a buff or keep them healed. Maybe add bard's ability to remove debuff and tell jokes, sing and dance.

Post by Xizervexius

Love the idea. I have a soft spot for bards as I used to play one way back when only text based 'muds where available to get our geek on.It was totally overpowered on that particular game;massive heal, hard to cure blind spell, and if you picked the Drow race you had the innate ability to backstab to go along with the class sneak skill...was awesome :)

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